VIDEO: When Jon Jones and Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson Gave Dana White a ‘Heart-Attack’

Anthony Johnson and Jon Jones were booked to fight at UFC 187. But, Jones didn’t make it to the bout due to some non-sport related issues. ‘Rumble’ Johnson eventually ended up fighting Daniel Cormier for the title. However, the canceled fight was highly anticipated, as many believed Johnson had the perfect recipe to trouble Jones.

Although they never fought, the two top 205 pounders of that time managed to pull one of the best pranks in UFC history. The prank was on company President Dana White, who revealed it almost gave him a ‘heart attack’.

Johnson and Jones were posing for a face-off on the media day event. They appeared to be coming to blows, and the president had to immediately separate them as he thought it was a serious issue. But both of them laughed off the incident as it was just friendly banter with the President.

Dana White must have had memories from the UFC 178 press conference brawl between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones. So, he immediately wanted to control the situation. But, it’s unfortunate Johnson and Jones never shared the Octagon.

‘Rumble’ also voiced his frustration at being unable to fight ‘Bones’. “Jon [Jones] was the reason I went up to 205 [pounds]. Being able to fight the pound-for-pound No.1 guy ever at 205, that’s an honor to be able to compete against somebody like that,” he revealed in a recent interview with Brett Okamoto.

Anthony Johnson will make his Bellator MMA debut in 2021

Anthony Johnson will end his exile from fighting as he will be joining the Bellator light heavyweight division in 2021. His decision to sign with Scott Coker’s promotion over the UFC raised many eyebrows. But, with Yoel Romero also joining the Bellator 205 pound roster next year, it looks like there are some mouth-watering matchups on the line.

This leaves the potential fight between Johnson and Jones a distant dream. Fans touted ‘Rumble’s’ knockout prowess to be the stylistic kryptonite for ‘Bones’.

What would have happened if ‘Rumble’ ever fought Jones? How will Rumble fare upon his return to competition in Bellator? Could he pull off a prank like the UFC 187 incident with Scott Coker?